by Pastor Michael Fernandez

I will be 67 years young this November. I share this because I have seen and been through many challenging circumstances in my life.

When I was attending the University of Washington, I remember that I was still using a slide rule to figure out my chemistry and Physics problems. In my final year, some students had this new thing called a calculator, which could add, subtract, multiply and divide. (Now we have cars that drive themselves.) It is truly mind-boggling and amazing. What we are experiencing in our world today tops them all.

The one constant in this ever-changing world of ours is faith -- Enduring Faith. It is “enduring faith” that allows me to do what I do best.

My one niche in life is helping people in their greatest time of need. Showing up when they least expect it, praying with them, comforting, and sharing hope with them. The Hope we receive through God’s Spirit.

I love James Chapter 5 because that is where you will find the prayer of Faith:

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:13-16.)  

Pastor Ron Wilbur will be sharing with us from on James 5 this Sunday.  His message is entitled, “Let Your Light Shine.”

I have shared this prayer hundreds of times in my life. And you never know when you will see a miracle happen because God’s Word was spoken. I am always surprised when it speaks to me in a new and fresh way. I believe it always has a freshness since the circumstances are always different.  The passage never gets boring and it is always enlightening. And I have seen many miracles happen because of it.

I encourage you during these challenging times in our history, to listen to James and to be patient and have a little faith, “enduring faith.” You are all still here for a reason, so let your light shine.

Pastor Michael

Note:  Join us on Sunday for Online Worship at 10:30 am on Facebook Live, YouTube  Live, our website (www.wacathedral.org) or WaCathedral App.